After a 10-day warm-weather training camp in the Middle East as well as winning the Dubai Super Cup, Arsenal are back in action at the Emirates Stadium as they face Juventus in a friendly on Saturday evening.
It's the Gunners' final fixture before the Premier League season resumes on Boxing Day and it's safe to say preparations ahead of the restart have gone well with the only negative being Gabriel Jesus sustaining a knee injury whilst on World Cup duty and subsequently undergoing knee surgery.
Arsenal go into the game against Juventus on the back of wins over Lyon and AC Milan in Dubai - the latter of which saw Ben White and Thomas Partey get their first post-World Cup minutes and that theme could very well continue this weekend as only William Saliba remains in Qatar ahead of the France vs Argentina final.
READ MORE: Arsenal training footage reveals Ramsdale return, absent stars, snowball fight and Tierney move
With the remaining World Cup stars joining back up with the squad this week, it presents Mikel Arteta with somewhat of a selection dilemma as Aaron Ramsdale, Matt Turner, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Granit Xhaka, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli could all be in contention to play some part against the Serie A giants.
Thankfully for the Spaniard, football.london's Arsenal writers, Kaya Kaynak, Tom Canton and Tashan Deniran-Alleyne, are on hand to offer their assistance. Below, they take a look at who they think should be starting for the home side in Saturday evening's clash against Juventus.
Kaya Kaynak - Arsenal Writer
If I were Mikel Arteta I would look to try and go for as strong a line-up as possible against Juventus tomorrow. The Premier League is just days away from its return and there is no time for sentimentality now. Arsenal need rhythm.
With that in mind, Aaron Ramsdale comes straight into the team for me with Ben White continuing at right back and Rob Holding and Gabriel playing again at centre back. It's not yet clear if Alex Zinchenko will be available for Juve but if he is I'd definitely throw him in for a half to get some minutes into his legs.
In midfield I'd go strong as possible again, so Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard are obvious starters, while Granit Xhaka comes in for Albert Sambi Lokonga who had mixed reviews for his two games in Dubai - although personally, I think he was fine.
In the forward areas, I would throw Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli straight back into the thick of things. Saka probably still hasn't had enough time off if you're asking me but there are few ideal situations with this mid-season World Cup that Fifa have thrust upon us. Then through the middle, it's got to be Eddie Nketiah filling in for the injured Gabriel Jesus.
Kaynak's Arsenal XI vs Juventus: Ramsdale; White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli.
Tom Canton - Arsenal Writer
One more game. That is what separates us and the merciful return of the Premier League in a season whereby Arsenal’s challenge for a title had the momentum somewhat ripped away from them with the interruption of the World Cup.
Even with the return of some players from the tournament, it is likely that a number will still not be ready for action. The two notable returnees for this game are Matt Turner and Granit Xhaka who have been training, although it could come too soon for Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale.
Takehiro Tomiyasu could feature but I suspect not from the start and Oleksandr Zinchenko remains out. Eddie Nketiah has another opportunity to make in two games from three in this midseason break from which he scores in, whilst Fabio Vieira will aim to continue his impressive form.
The return of the midfield trio of Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey and Xhaka, however, will be a welcome sight. The nine-day break between this fixture and the Boxing Day clash with West Ham will be a long one but one of anticipation and excitement far more so than anything to the contrary.
Canton's Arsenal XI vs Juventus: Turner; White, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Vieira, Nelson, Nketiah
Tashan Deniran-Alleyne - Arsenal Writer
As this is the final friendly before the West Ham game, I would like Arteta to name a side that will start on Boxing Day - or one as close to it as possible. Of course, William Saliba and Gabriel Jesus are unavailable, Oleksandr Zinchenko probably won't be risked and Emile Smith Rowe may not be ready yet.
With the absentees out of the way, I can see Aaron Ramsdale and Matt Turner sharing a half each. It's harsh on Karl Hein who was superb in Dubai, but it's important Arsenal's first-choice goalkeeper in particular is sharp, having not played a single minute of England's run to the World Cup quarter-final.
In defence, Takehiro Tomiyasu could partner Gabriel Magalhaes having operated as the right-sided defender during Japan's round of 16 defeat at the hands of Croatia. I would also expect Granit Xhaka to return alongside Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard in the engine room.
Eddie Nketiah will definitely lead the line, but Arteta has a big decision with regard to who provides support from the flanks. As Fabio Vieira has looked bright from the right, he can continue in this role which allows for Bukayo Saka to be reintegrated slowly but Gabriel Martinelli should get the nod on the opposite side.
Deniran-Alleyne's Arsenal XI vs Juventus: Ramsdale; White, Tomiyasu, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Odegaard, Xhaka; Vieira, Nketiah, Martinelli.
READ NEXT:
What Eddie Nketiah has done to prove to Mikel Arteta that Arsenal can cope without Gabriel Jesus
Arsenal handed incentive to activate Bukayo Saka contract clause and ruin Man City transfer plan
Mikel Arteta has 3 options to replace William Saliba as Arsenal prepare for West Ham absences
European elite chase Takehiro Tomiyasu to vindicate Mikel Arteta's Arsenal tactical foresight
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
